A Guide to Denver Hardwood Floor Finishes

December 6, 2017

Choosing the finish is one of the final decisions you will have to make when installing hardwood flooring in your home. It may sound simple to choose which finish you want on your hardwood flooring, but there are countless options, so picking the right one can be surprisingly difficult. Before making up your mind, it’s recommended that you learn about the pros and cons of some of the more popular choices. Use this guide to Denver hardwood floor finishes as a reference:

Polyurethane

Oil- and water-based polyurethane are two of the most popular types of hardwood floor finishes. Oil-based polyurethane is known as the more durable finish of the two, however water-based polyurethane does have its advantages. For example, water-based polyurethane dries clear, whereas oil-based polyurethane dry with a slightly yellow tint. Because the color of the wood is so important, many people end up choosing water-based polyurethane over oil-based polyurethane.

Water-based polyurethane is typically more expensive than oil-based polyurethane, so don’t forget to factor this finish into your budget if your heart is set on it. Learn more about hardwood floor finishes.

Shellac

Shellac is a natural product, so homeowners who want to make eco-friendly design decisions often gravitate towards this finish. But, shellac is not as durable as polyurethane finishes and may not be able to protect the floors from water or other liquids. It also has to be reapplied quite frequently, which is another reason why homeowners often second-guess using this finish. Shellac can also make the floors appear slightly amber in color, so keep this in mind when deciding if this is the right choice for you.

Varnish

Will your hardwood floors be exposed to a lot of natural light? If you’re installing the floors in a room with large windows, you may want to consider choosing varnish for the finish. Unlike other finishes, varnish protects hardwood flooring from damaging ultraviolet rays. Without this protection, the ultraviolet light could cause the natural color of the wood to slowly fade.

Varnish is also highly resistant to water, which makes it the perfect finish for hardwood floors that are exposed to moisture.

Lacquer

If you’ve ever spotted an incredibly glossy wood floor or furniture piece, chances are that it was finished with lacquer. This type of finish is very glossy, so if you want to make your hardwood floors appear shinier, this could be the best option for you. Fortunately, lacquer’s glossy appearance isn’t the only great thing about it. Lacquer is also one of the most durable finishes, however it can start to discolor over time.

To learn more about hardwood floors and determine if they’re right for your home, contact Natural Stone Sales today. Our expert staff has been helping customers in the greater Denver area incorporate hardwood into their homes for over three decades. We are known for our exceptional customer service and for using only the highest quality products on the market. Contact us today to find out how we can create a beautiful custom look for your home!